A sewage backup is a homeowner’s nightmare. Not only is it an emergency that requires immediate attention, but it can also cause long-term damage if not handled properly. This blog post will provide you with a guide for cleaning up a sewage spill and preventing any further damage. We will also discuss how to prevent a blockage from occurring.
Common Causes of Sewage Blockage
Blockages in home sewage lines are a common problem with several causes. In most cases, the blockage is caused by the build-up of inorganic materials. Over time, these materials can form a solid mass that blocks water flow through the pipe. One of the most common causes of sewage blockages at home is grease. When hot grease cools, it solidifies and can adhere to the sides of pipes, eventually leading to a complete blockage. Another common cause of sewage blockages is tree roots. These invasive plant fibers can grow into sewer lines, causing an obstruction that prevents waste from flowing freely. Additionally, one should never flush foreign objects such as diapers, feminine products, and paper towels down the toilet, as they can also cause blockages. To prevent sewage problems, it is important to dispose of the items above appropriately.
How to Do Sewage Cleanup at Home
Turn off the Gas and Electricity
When you experience a sewer backup, it’s important to take quick action to ensure the safety of your home and family. The first step is to turn off the gas and electricity. This will prevent any sparks or explosions if water comes into contact with live electrical wires. Once that is done, you need to assess the damage. If the water has reached electrical outlets or appliances, you will need to have an electrician come and inspect them before using them again. If the water has reached carpeted areas or any other porous surfaces, you will need to either throw those away as they can harbor mold and bacteria or dry and salvage them. Once you have determined what can be saved and what needs to be thrown away, you can start the cleaning process.
Wear Gloves and Protective Gear
The next step is putting on gloves and any other protective gear you may need. This will help to protect you from any bacteria or contaminants that may be present in the sewage water. Once you are suitably protected, you can start the cleaning process.
Remove the Water
The second step to doing a sewer backup cleanup is removing the water with a wet/dry vacuum. This will help to prevent any further contamination and will also make the area easier to work in. If you do not have a wet/dry vacuum, you can also use a mop or towels to soak up as much water as possible. Be sure to focus on areas at the highest risk for mold growth, such as carpeted floors and walls.
The Blast of the Sludge
The third and probably most important step is to blast off the sludge. This will help to remove any build-up that might be clogging your pipes and causing problems. Here’s how to do it:
- First, locate the sludge build-up. This is usually easiest to find where your sewer line meets your home’s foundation.
- Next, use a powerful hose to blast the sludge away. Be sure to aim the hose down so the water can reach all of the nooks and crannies where the sludge has accumulated
- Flush out your sewer line with clean water to remove any remaining debris.
Sanitize the Area
Once you have removed the water and sludge, you will need to sanitize the area to prevent any further contamination. This can be done using a mixture of bleach and water. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bleach bottle, and always use gloves when handling chemicals.
Dry Out the Area
The final step in sewage cleanup is to dry out the area. This can be done using fans, dehumidifiers, or even by opening up windows if the weather permits. Drying out the area is important as it will help to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Following these simple steps, you can effectively clean up a sewage spill and prevent further damage. If you have any questions, contact a professional for assistance.
Prevent Future Damage
The best way to deal with a sewage spill is to prevent it from happening in the first place. There are a few simple things you can do to reduce the risk of sewage backing up into your home:
- Install check valves in your sewer line. These valves allow water to flow in one direction and prevent sewage from flowing back into your home. Valves such as backwater valves will also ensure that you have enough time to call a professional to handle any blockages.
- Have your sewer line inspected regularly. This will help to identify any potential problems before they cause serious damage. This should be done by a qualified professional to improve the efficiency of inspections.
- Avoid any illegal connections. Things like garbage disposals and sump pumps should be connected to your city’s sewer line, not your home’s sewer line. It is important to ensure that the relevant authority in your area has connected all your sewage systems. This will streamline the process of inspecting and handling blockages.
- Use new plastic pipes. Older homes often have clay pipes that are more susceptible to damage. These pipes can be easily damaged by tree roots or physical interference, which increases the chance of blockages. New pipes are well versed in keeping objects from penetrating your line.
- Avoid flushing anything down the toilet that doesn’t belong there. These can cause clogs that lead to sewage backups.
- Contact a professional- if you experience frequent sewage blockages, then the problem could be bigger than you imagined. As such, it is important to contact a sewage removal company that will deal with the problem once and for all.